Kitchens: Before & After

Real estate experts agree that kitchen renovations offer the most return for your investment. We present the results of four dramatic local kitchen revamps.

The homeowners wanted to remove the vestiges of the last remodel and create a modern look with hints of the home’s mid-century pedigree.

BeforeThis home was designed by William Wilde, one of Tucson’s pioneers of modern architecture during the 1950s. A late 1980s remodel covered up the original architectural details of the space. The goal was to bring back the original details but create a modern, updated look. AfterThe renovation included removing a dropped ceiling to expose the vaulted beams. The original terrazzo floor was retained. The expanded new floor plan allows for a larger, open space for two cooks, better storage, increased lighting. Larger windows fill the room with natural light. The final upgrades include a fireplace, bar and modern appliances and cabinets.

A dated ’90s kitchen needed a complete overhaul. Changing the orientation of the original design created a better look and increased functionality.

BeforeBuilt in 1994, this contemporary ranch home in SaddleBrooke had dated fixtures, builder-grade melamine cabinetry, Formica countertops, and standard white ceramic tile flooring. The original layout included a peninsula sink, island cooktop, and isolated wet bar in a pass-through hallway. The narrow counter was not feasible for dining. After The new kitchen includes opening the space through archways, and shifting the footprint by creating a wraparound wet bar and serving area, including under-counter ice-maker and refrigeration. The peninsula sink became a bi-level breakfast bar with storage, wine rack, and under-mounted kitchen sink, topped with quartz and a multi-color glass backsplash. The alder cabinetry features an “Espresso” wood stain. The original cramped corner desk area has been replaced with a coffee bar niche. Wood-look porcelain tile flooring was installed throughout.

This well-utilized kitchen was built in 2000 but was in need of an updated look and better functionality.

BeforeThe homeowner entertains often and cooks for her guests, so a brighter and more efficient kitchen was the goal. Even though the basic floor plan was still usable, there was a need for improved storage and a new color palette. The Old World-style knotty alder cabinets, with their antiqued finish, gave the kitchen a dated look. AfterAll cabinets were replaced with maple painted in an “heirloom” finish. To enhance the storage, a new island includes roll-out drawers, a pull-out pantry and a pop-up mixer shelf. A lighter shade of granite replaces the black countertops. The existing travertine flooring was retained. New appliances and a farmhouse sink complete this stylish makeover.

This late 1950s home, located in historic Indian Ridge Estates, needed modern functionality and style.

BeforeThe original traditional cathedral-style cabinets featured a dark wood stain. The backsplash consisted of six-inch-square ceramic tiles. Laminate countertops and 12-inch-square ceramic tile floors also were holdovers of older design styles.AfterThe basic layout was retained, but the washer and dryer were moved to another location to gain counter space. The new maple wood cabinets in a smooth “slab” style replaced the older oak ones. A sparkling bright quartz countertop in “Viatera Red” adds a punch of color. A raised “martini bar” is a stylish addition. Concrete flooring completes the new look.